Independent cushion extension with optimized leg-splay angle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame seat frame having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along the centerline. A first extendable member is disposed on a forward portion of the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second extendable member adjacent to and independent of the first extendable member is disposed on the forward portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite side of centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions. The first and the second extendable members extend forwardly from the seat H-point at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative the centerline, respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to commonly assigned, co-pending, and related U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/748,862, filed Jan. 24, 2013, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly,and more particularly to a vehicle seating assembly that includesindependent cushion extension with an optimized leg-splay angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern vehicle seats are becoming more and more comfortable as designersdevelop a greater understanding of human ergonomics, posture, andcomfortability. Vehicle seating assemblies that include comfortcomponents in the vehicle seat back and the vehicle seat can provide thedriver and passengers with improved comfort and increased endurance forextensive vehicle rides. Additionally, various sizes and shapes ofdrivers and passengers can prove challenging when providing vehicleseating assemblies. Accordingly, vehicle seating assemblies that includecomponents optimized to accommodate the different sizes and shapes ofdrivers and passengers, as well as the desired posture and sittingpositions of those drivers and passengers, has become increasinglyimportant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a vehicle seating assembly including a seat framehaving a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along thecenterline. A first extendable member is disposed on a forward portionof the seat frame along a first side of the centerline and is operablebetween extended and retracted positions. A second extendable memberadjacent to and independent of the first extendable member is disposedon the forward portion of the seat frame along a second, opposite sideof centerline and is operable between extended and retracted positions.The first and the second extendable members extend forwardly from theseat H-point at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative thecenterline, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a vehicle seating assembly comprising a seat framehaving a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along thecenterline. A first leg support is pivotally coupled with a forwardportion of the seat frame, the first leg support including a firstextendable member extending forwardly from the seat H-point along afirst side of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10degrees relative the centerline. A second leg support is independent ofthe first leg support and is pivotally coupled with the forward portionof the seat frame. The second leg support includes a second extendablemember extending forwardly from the seat H-point along a second oppositeside of the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degreesrelative the centerline.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicleseating assembly includes a vehicle seating assembly comprising a seatframe having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along thecenterline. First and second adjacent and independently extendablemembers extend forwardly from the seat H-point at a lateral angle ofbetween 5 to 10 degrees relative to and on opposing sides of thecenterline.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly of the present invention disposed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of the seat of the vehicleseating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the seat ofthe vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a portion of the seat ofthe vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG.3 with first and second leg supports in the retracted and loweredpositions;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the leg supports of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a partial side cross-sectional elevational view taken at lineIX-IX illustrating the leg supports of FIG. 8 in a retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention with one of the leg supports in a lowered position;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of the leg supports of FIG. 10 withone of the leg supports in a lowered position;

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view taken at lineXI-XI of FIG. 10A illustrating one of the leg supports in an extendedposition;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicleseating assembly of the present invention with one of the leg supportsin a raised position;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of the leg supports of FIG. 12 withone of the leg supports in the raised position;

FIG. 13A is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view taken atXIIIA-XIIIA of the leg support of FIG. 12A in the raised position;

FIG. 13B is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view of the legsupport of FIG. 13A after movement from the raised position to thelowered position; and

FIG. 13C is a partial side elevational cross-sectional view of the legsupport of FIG. 13B after movement to the raised position and theretracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates avehicle seating assembly having a seat frame 12. A first leg support 14is pivotally coupled with a forward portion 16 of the seat frame 12. Thefirst leg support 14 is operable between raised and lowered positions. Afirst extendable member 20 is disposed on the first leg support 14 andis operable between extended and retracted positions. A second legsupport 22 is adjacent to and independent of the first leg support 14and is pivotally coupled with the forward portion 16 of the seat frame12. The second leg support 22 is operable between raised and loweredpositions. A second extendable member 24 is disposed on the second legsupport 22 and is operable between extended and retracted positions.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating assembly 10generally includes a seat 30 and a seat back 32 that supports a headrest34 thereon. The seat back 32 is pivotally coupled with the seat 30, suchthat the seat back 32 can be moved between upright and inclinedpositions. The headrest 34 is operably coupled with the seat back 32 andalso positioned in a variety of positions relative to the seat back 32to support the head and neck of a driver or a passenger. The seat frame12 includes first and second side members 40, 42 (FIG. 4) supported onlegs 44 (FIG. 5). Laterally extending frame members 43 (FIG. 5) extendbetween the first and second side members 40, 42. The legs 44 areoperably coupled with seat track slide assemblies 46 that are secured toa floor 45 of a vehicle 49.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isgenerally configured to apply selective support to the underside of thelegs of the driver or passenger. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, eachleg of the driver or passenger can be independently supported by thefirst and second leg supports 14, 22. The first and second leg supports14, 22 are moveable between raised and lowered positions, as well asbetween extended and retracted positions to modify an effective seatingarea 48 of the seat 30 and optimize accommodation of the size, shape,posture, and sitting positions of the driver or passenger.

As further shown in FIG. 4, a longitudinal centerline, designated as C,of the seat frame 12 functionally defines a split between the firstextendable member 20 and the second extendable member 24. The firstextendable member 20 and the second extendable member 24 each extendforwardly from the seat H-point, designated as H, at a lateral angle αrelative the centerline C. The first extendable member 20 and the secondextendable member 24 preferably extend forward at an angle α laterallyfrom the centerline C and forwardly from the H-point to provide betterleg support and comfort on the outside of the occupant's thighs in aposition that naturally conforms to the natural leg-splay of a humanoccupant. This leg-splay angle is maintained in both the stowed anddeployed position for optimized comfort in all use position. Theinventors of the present disclosure have determined that the angle αshould be between 5 and 10 degrees, and preferably about 5 degrees, fromthe seat H-point along the centerline C of the seat frame 12. The splitbetween the first extendable member 20 and the second extendable member24 at such an angle α has been unexpectedly found to provide improvedcomfort that reduces muscle strain and improves leg and thigh support.Thus, an extendable leg support 14, 22, where the splayed angle α isprecisely set at about 5 to 10 degrees (optimally at about 5 degrees)laterally from the centerline C and forward of the H-point of the seatframe 12 on each side of the centerline C, provides better leg supportand comfort.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes a seatbase 50 that is supported over the seat frame 12. An interface member 52is positioned between the seat frame 12 and the seat base 50. The seatbase 50 is disposed behind the first and second leg supports 14, 22, andin front of the seat back 32. The interface member 52 includes a pivotrod 54 that extends between first and second sides 56, 58 of theinterface member 52. Additionally, a rear portion of the interfacemember 52 includes a frame engagement component 59 that secures theinterface member 52 to the seat frame 12. The pivot rod 54 also includesfirst and second support bases 60, 62 that support the first and secondleg supports 14, 22, respectively. The first and second support bases60, 62 are operably coupled with first and second motors 64, 66. Thefirst motor 64 is operably coupled with a slide 70 and a drive shaft 72.The drive shaft 72 is capable of laterally translating a support body 74between extended and retracted positions. The first support base 60 isconfigured to rotate the first leg support 14 about the pivot rod 54between the raised and lowered positions, as discussed in further detailherein. Similarly, the second motor 66 is operably coupled with a slide80 and a drive shaft 82. The drive shaft 82 is capable of laterallytranslating a support body 84 of the second leg support 22 betweenextended and retracted positions. The second support base 62 isconfigured to rotate the second leg support 22 between the raised andlowered positions.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the interface member 52 includes a suspensionframe 90 disposed thereon. The suspension frame 90 is configured toprovide sufficient support to a suspension member 92 and a seat cushion94. Accordingly, the suspension frame 90 includes a shape that largelycomplements the shape of the seat cushion 94. Specifically, thesuspension frame 90 includes a body 96 defining an aperture 98configured to receive the suspension member 92, which supports the seatcushion 94. At the same time, first and second wings 100, 102 extendfrom the body 96 and are configured to support first and second sidecushions 104, 106 of the seat cushion 94. The seat cushion 94 issupported above the suspension frame 90 and is protected by a coverstock110. It is anticipated that the coverstock 110 could be any of a varietyof materials, including traditional fabrics, as well as leathers,vinyls, etc. A lateral seat brace 112 is positioned below the first andsecond leg supports 14, 22 and is coupled to the seat frame 12. Thelateral seat brace 112 assists in guiding the first and second legsupports 14, 22 between the various positions, and, at the same time,provides additional rigidity to the seat frame 12 of the vehicle seatingassembly 10. The lateral seat brace 112 also includes a shroud thatprotects a forward portion 16 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 and isaesthetically pleasing to view.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second leg supports 14, 22will be discussed in further detail. The first and second leg supports14, 22 are configured to engage the interface member 52 of the vehicleseating assembly 10. Specifically, the first and second support bases60, 62 are pivotally coupled with the pivot rod 54 that is rotatably orfixedly coupled with the interface member 52 of the vehicle seatingassembly 10. The first and second support bases 60, 62 are operablebetween the raised and lowered positions about the pivot rod 54. Thefirst and second motors 64, 66 of the first and second leg supports 14,22, respectively, are positioned on the first and second support bases60, 62. The first and second motors 64, 66 are operably coupled with thedrive shafts 72, 82, respectively. Each drive shaft 72, 82 includes ascrew gear 120 (FIG. 9) disposed thereon. The screw gear 120 allows forlinear translation of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 betweenthe extended and retracted positions, as discussed below.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the first and second legsupports 14, 22 includes a slide assembly 122. The support bodies 74, 84are configured to engage the slide assembly 122. The support bodies 74,84 of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 include a receiving slot124 configured to receive a portion of the slide assembly 122. Eachreceiving slot 124 includes an enlarged recess 126 that is configured toreceive a slide block 130 on the slide assembly 122. The slide block 130is linearly translatable via the screw gear 120 between fore and aftpositions. The slide block 130 is configured to engage the enlargedrecess 126, thereby coupling the support body 74 or 84 with the slideassembly 122. As described in further detail below, when the slide block130 is in the aft position, the relevant leg support 14 or 22 is in theretracted position. Similarly, when the slide block 130 is in the foreposition, the relevant leg support 14 or 22 is in the extended position.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, each support body 74, 84 is generallyconfigured to be coupled with a flex member 140 disposed thereon. Theflex member 140 includes an open matrix 142 of flex apertures 144 thatprovide additional comfort and flexibility for the driver or passenger.At the same time, the flex apertures 144 provide some breathability inthe first and second leg supports 14, 22 of the vehicle seating assembly10. The flex member 140 is positioned on top of the support body 74 or84 and is covered by a protective wrap 146. The protective wrap 146 iscovered by a leg support coverstock 148 and a cushion layer 150. The legsupport coverstock 148 and the cushion layer 150 protect the protectivewrap 146 and the flex member 140. As shown in FIG. 7, each support body74, 84 includes a number of engagement pins 154 that secure the flexmember 140 to the support bodies 74, 84. Each of the first and secondsupport bases 60, 62 of the first and second leg supports 14, 22,respectively, includes a rearwardly extending flange 160 that extends onan opposite side from a body 162 of the first and second support bases60, 62. The rearwardly extending flange 160 is coupled with tensionsprings 164 that are coupled to a mounting bracket 166. The tensionsprings 164 bias the relevant support base 60 or 62 to the raisedposition. It is generally contemplated that the support body 74 of thefirst leg support 14 and the support body 84 of the second leg support22 may be moveable to the raised position and the lowered position viaan actuation assembly operably coupled with a motor. Alternatively,adjustment of the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be mademanually via a gear system, as understood by one having ordinary skillin the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8A, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isillustrated with the first and second leg supports 14, 22 moved to aninitial position. In the initial position, the first and second legsupports 14, 22 are in the retracted position and also in the loweredposition. In this initial position, the seating area 48 of the seat 30has not been enlarged. Accordingly, the seating area 48 is generallyconfigured to support a driver or passenger that is smaller in stature.In the event the driver or passenger has a larger stature and wishes tochange the effective seating area 48 of the vehicle seating assembly 10,then the first and second leg supports 14, 22 can be raisedindependently and also extended independently, preferably at anoptimized lateral angle α of between 5 to 10 degrees relative thecenterline C.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, in the illustrated embodiment, thesecond leg support 22 has been translated to the extended position. Tomove the second leg support 22 to the extended position, the driver orpassenger would simply engage a toggle switch on the seat 30 that isoperably coupled to the second motor 66. The second motor 66 thenactivates, which turns the drive shaft 82 that is coupled with the screwgear 120. As the screw gear 120 rotates, the support body 84 of thesecond leg support 22 is pushed outwardly away from the seat base 50. Atthe same time, the first leg support 14 maintains position and does notmove. In the event the driver or passenger also wanted the first legsupport 14 to be moved to the extended position, the driver or passengercould engage in the same behavior to actuate the first motor 64, whichwould then force the support body 74 of the first leg support 14 outwardin a similar fashion to that described above with reference to thesecond leg support 22.

As shown in FIG. 11, as the screw gear 120 rotates, the slide block 130begins to move relative to the screw gear 120. Specifically, when thesecond motor 66 operates in a first direction, the screw gear 120rotates such that threads of the screw gear 120 push internal threads ofthe slide block 130, which translates the slide block 130 and the secondleg support 22 away from the seat base 50 (corresponding to the extendedposition of the second leg support 22). When the second motor 66operates in a second direction, the screw gear 120 turns in a seconddirection opposite the first direction, such that the slide block 130 isdrawn toward the seat base 50 (corresponding with the retracted positionof the second leg support 22).

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 12A, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isillustrated with the second leg support 22 in a raised position. In theraised position, the second leg support 22 is better situated to hold orsupport the underside of a leg of the driver or passenger when the legis not extended. The second leg support 22 is moved to the raisedposition under the force of the tension springs 164 alone, or under theforce of the tension springs 164 and a motor operably coupled to thesecond support base 62 that urges the second leg support 22 to theraised position. The first leg support 14 operates in much the same way.Notably, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 may be at the loweredposition, the raised position, or any position therebetweensimultaneously. However, the first and second leg supports 14, 22 mayalso be placed at different positions. For example, the first legsupport 14 may be at the lowered position, while the second leg support22 may be at the raised position, as shown in FIG. 12A. Moreover, at thesame time, regardless of the raised or lowered positions of the firstand second leg supports 14, 22, the first and second leg supports 14, 22may also be at the extended or retracted positions. Again, the first andsecond leg supports 14, 22 may be placed at the retracted position orthe extended position simultaneously. Alternatively, the first andsecond leg supports 14, 22 may be positioned differently. For example,the first leg support 14 may be at the lowered position and theretracted position, while the second leg support 22 may be at theextended position and the raised position.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the secondsupport base 62 of the second leg support 22 upon which the second motor66 is positioned is rotated upwardly (clockwise). As generally notedabove, movement of the second leg support 22 by way of the secondsupport base 62 can occur by the force of the tension springs 164coupling the rearwardly extending flange 160 to the mounting bracket 166in the seat 30, by a motor 66 that is operably coupled with the secondsupport base 62 to rotate the second support base 62 between the raisedand lowered positions, or can be by way of a motor 66 that issupplemented by the tension springs 164 that extend between therearwardly extending flange 160 and the mounting bracket 166. As shownin FIG. 13C, it will be understood that the first and second legsupports 14, 22 can be in the raised or lowered position, or anyposition therebetween, and at the same time, be in the extended orretracted position. FIG. 13C illustrates the second leg support 22 inthe raised position and the retracted position. Movement of the firstand second leg supports 14, 22 between the raised and lowered positionsis independent of movement of the first and second leg supports 14, 22between the extended and retracted positions.

The vehicle seating assembly as disclosed herein includes first andsecond independently moveable leg supports configured to provideindependent support to the legs of a driver or passenger. For example,for a driver, frequently, the right leg of the driver is in an extendedposition to actuate the pedals. At the same time, particularly invehicles equipped with an automatic transmission that does not requirethe manipulation of a clutch pedal, the left leg of the driver may beretracted to provide comfort to the driver. The vehicle seating assembly10 as disclosed herein can allow for additional support under the rightleg of the driver, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the enduranceof the driver will wane over long trips. The vehicle seating 10 assemblyas disclosed herein also provides additional comfort as the leg supportscan be specifically moved and adjusted to conform to the preferredseating style of a particular driver or passenger.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat, unless otherwise described, many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrallyformed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwisevaried, the length or width of the structures and/or members orconnector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature ornumber of adjustment positions provided between the elements may bevaried. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of thesystem may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials thatprovide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety ofcolors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating positions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatframe having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along thecenterline; a first extendable member disposed on a forward portion ofthe seat frame along a first side of the centerline and operable betweenan extended position and a retracted position; and a second extendablemember adjacent to and independent of the first extendable member, thesecond extendable member disposed on the forward portion of the seatframe along a second, opposite side of centerline and operable betweenextended and retracted positions; the first extendable member and thesecond extendable member each extending forwardly from the seat H-pointat a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relative the centerline.2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first extendablemember and the second extendable member each extend forwardly from theseat H-point at a lateral angle of about 5 degrees relative thecenterline.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst extendable member is disposed on a top portion of a first legsupport operably coupled to a first rotatable support base by a firstslide assembly, and wherein the second extendable member is disposed ona top portion of a second leg support operably coupled to a secondrotatable support base by a second slide assembly.
 4. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a pivot rod thatpivotally couples each of the first and second leg supports to the seatframe.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4, further comprising: amotor disposed proximate the first leg support and configured to pivotthe first leg support about the pivot rod between a raised position anda lowered position.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4, whereinthe first and second leg supports are spring-biased to the raisedposition.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 6, wherein the firstleg support includes a rearwardly extending flange coupled with atension spring that biases the first leg support to the raised position.8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: firstand second flex members that extend over the first and second extendablemembers, respectively.
 9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a seat base disposed behind the first and secondextendable members.
 10. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatframe having a longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along thecenterline; a first leg support pivotally coupled with a forward portionof the seat frame, the first leg support including a first extendablemember extending forwardly from the seat H-point along a first side ofthe centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relativethe centerline; and a second leg support independent of the first legsupport and pivotally coupled with the forward portion of the seatframe, the second leg support including a second extendable memberextending forwardly from the seat H-point along a second opposite sideof the centerline at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10 degrees relativethe centerline.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, whereinthe first extendable member and the second extendable member each extendforwardly from the seat H-point at a lateral angle of about 5 degreesrelative the centerline.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10,further comprising: a flex member disposed on each of the first andsecond leg supports and a pivot rod extending behind the first andsecond leg supports, the pivot rod pivotally coupling each of the firstand second leg supports to the seat frame.
 13. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 10, further comprising: a first slide assembly thatcouples the first leg support to a first rotatable support base and asecond slide assembly that couples the second leg support to a secondrotatable support base.
 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13,further comprising: first and second motors disposed proximate the seatframe and configured to translate the first and second leg supports,respectively, between an extended position and a retracted position. 15.The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and secondleg supports are spring-biased to a raised position.
 16. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second legsupports includes a rearwardly extending flange coupled with a tensionspring that biases the first and second leg supports to a raisedposition.
 17. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seat frame havinga longitudinal centerline and a seat H-point along the centerline; andfirst and second adjacent and independent extendable members extendingforwardly from the seat H-point at a lateral angle of between 5 to 10degrees relative to and on opposing sides of the centerline.
 18. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and secondextendable members extend forwardly from the seat H-point at a lateralangle of about 5 degrees relative the centerline.
 19. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 17, wherein the extendable members include aflex member disposed thereon.
 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim19, wherein the flex member includes an open matrix of flex aperturesand a rounded forward portion.